Sunday, January 12, 2014

Concrete Companies In Fort Lauderdale Do Commercial And Residential Jobs

By Marissa Velazquez


When homeowners are ready to contact concrete companies in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, they may be contemplating a project other than a new driveway or patio. These are the most commonly done projects, however, there are numerous other uses for both utilitarian and decorative applications of this popular building material. It can simulate brick, marble and other materials.

This durable material is used to construct basements for new buildings and driveways. It has a number of uses for residential and commercial property owners. In the ground swimming pools, fish ponds and patios are constructed on home grounds. Parking lots and stairs are installed at public buildings. It is poured to create structures large and small.

This material is long-lasting. The Roman Pantheon is one example of the durability of this composite material. The Colosseum is another. Consider also, how long the Hoover Dam is expected to continue to function. Many other famous buildings made with this aggregate material have existed for centuries.

Large companies do a lot of business producing this medium. In fact, the industry in the United States alone is doing $30 billion worth of business. The words concrete and cement are sometimes viewed as interchangeable. This is incorrect. Concrete is a composite while cement is one of the components of concrete.

Rebar is added to strengthen the concrete when it is used for a project that will support something, a bridge for example. All of the possible components can vary in a batch. It is like the mix of batter for a cake having different proportions. There is always some water added to the mixture.

If the driveway of a homeowner, or the floor of a parking structure degrade within a short period of time, it is obvious the construction company tried to save money by ordering a weak concrete mixture. In the case of a bridge or supporting wall, this can pose a danger.

The proportion of cement and aggregates to the water is important. If the water content is too high, the result will be inferior product that is not durable.

Cement and aggregates are not the only ingredients that can go into the mix. Gravel can be added in a variety of sizes from very small to pebble sized. Color can also change the appearance of the finished driveway or patio.

While an application is drying, it can be stamped, for example. A plastic overlay is pressed into the concrete leaving an impression. It is then removed, leaving the imprint behind. After the surface dries, the impression remains.

Craftsmen use special tools to sculpt patterns in the material while it is still wet. Stamping, etching and staining can provide an elegant look. The homeowner can order whatever elaborations he or she wants.

It may be easy to locate concrete companies in Fort Lauderdale that are able to create the fancier finishes to any surface. It does require skill and experience to apply them. The cost increases commensurate to the time it takes to create the look a homeowner wants. Having something more special than plain, gray surfaces on driveways or sidewalks really adds to the appearance of a home and grounds. Proud homeowners are glad to pay extra for these attractive embellishments.




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